curse

curse
/ kərs/
•
n.
1.
a solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on someone or something:
she'd put a curse on him. ∎ [usu. in sing.]
a cause of harm or misery:
impatience is the curse of our day and age. ∎ (the curse) inf.
menstruation.
2.
an offensive word or phrase used to express anger or annoyance.
•
v.
1. [tr.]
invoke or use a curse against.
∎ (be cursed with)
be afflicted with:
many owners have been cursed with a series of bankruptcies.2. [intr.]
utter offensive words in anger or annoyance.
∎ [tr.]
address with such words.
DERIVATIVES:curs·er
n.

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curse

curse curse of Scotland a name given to the nine of diamonds in a pack of cards, perhaps because it resembled the armorial bearings of Lord Stair, nine lozenges on a saltire, the number and shape of the spots being identical, and their arrangement similar. The first Earl of Stair was the object of much execration for his share in sanctioning the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, and subsequently for the influential part played by him in bringing about the Union with England in 1707.curses, like chickens, come home to roost ill will directed at another is likely to rebound on the originator. The saying, which is recorded from the late 14th century, is also found elliptically, without specific mention of curses.

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curse

curse A term sometimes used colloquially for the menstrual period. It has been in use for centuries, because menstruating women were believed to produce many horrifying effects. They were considered unclean, unfit for coitus and capable of spoiling food, drink, and crops. Early Hebrews, for example, punished women who had intercourse during menstruation and in medieval times menstruating women were prevented from going to church or even entering a wine cellar in case they spoiled the wine!

Saffron A. Whitehead

See menstruation.

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